Archaeologists in central Germany have uncovered a wealth of medieval treasures, including a Slavic settlement and burial ground. The finds come during preparatory work for a major powerline.
The State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt announced the finds during research along the SuedOstLink direct current powerlinem a 170-kilometre project. The found a Slavic settlement near the town of Wettin-Löbejün. Dating to the 10th and 11th centuries, the site includes a craft district with evidence of iron ore extraction and smelting, and finds indicating textile production. The settlement, initially fortified with a wide ditch, later transitioned to individual farmsteads with smaller surrounding ditches.
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The burial ground belonging to the settlement was completely excavated. Around 60 burials lie in two parallel rows aligned north-south. The dead were buried according to the Christian rite lying on their backs, facing east and without any grave goods except for items belonging to garments, such as bronze rings and beads. The graves mostly have head niches. In some cases there were also stones put around the head or legs. New burials were frequently placed in existing grave pits, with the remains of previous burials being moved aside or included in the refilling. The graves mostly date to the 10th-11th century AD, some may be a bit earlier.
Grave of a child with ‘hydrocephalus’ from Wettin-Löbejün. Photo by Oliver Dietrich / State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt
Among the burials in the cemetery, two findings stand out. A square pit turned out to be a ‘family grave’ of two adults and two children. Traces of wooden corner posts and beams hint at a complex grave architecture. Also unusual is the burial of a child who probably suffered from hydrocephalus, a disease which leads to excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate inside the skull. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which also affects the brain. In fetuses and infants whose skull bones are not yet solid, the pressure is equalized by balloon-like expansion of the skull. Due to the high intracranial pressure, a ‘hydrocephalus’ can lead to various problems. Patients often require care and only have a short life expectancy if medical treatment is not provided. In the case of the child from Wettin-Löbejün, special concern of the community is evidenced by beads placed in the chest area.
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The archaeological work at Wettin-Löbejün, which began in late 2023, is expected to conclude by August 2024, ensuring the area is ready for the SuedOstLink construction. This meticulous documentation, conducted in close coordination with the network operator 50Hertz, aims to preserve the region’s archaeological heritage before development begins. The project underscores the importance of balancing modern infrastructure needs with the preservation of historical treasures, offering a window into the lives of ancient communities that once thrived in Saxony-Anhalt.
The archaeological site at Wettin-Löbejün. Photo by Oliver Dietrich / State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt
Top Image: ‘Family grave’ of two adults and two children from Wettin-Löbejün. Photo by Oliver Dietrich / State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt
Archaeologists in central Germany have uncovered a wealth of medieval treasures, including a Slavic settlement and burial ground. The finds come during preparatory work for a major powerline.
The State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt announced the finds during research along the SuedOstLink direct current powerlinem a 170-kilometre project. The found a Slavic settlement near the town of Wettin-Löbejün. Dating to the 10th and 11th centuries, the site includes a craft district with evidence of iron ore extraction and smelting, and finds indicating textile production. The settlement, initially fortified with a wide ditch, later transitioned to individual farmsteads with smaller surrounding ditches.
The burial ground belonging to the settlement was completely excavated. Around 60 burials lie in two parallel rows aligned north-south. The dead were buried according to the Christian rite lying on their backs, facing east and without any grave goods except for items belonging to garments, such as bronze rings and beads. The graves mostly have head niches. In some cases there were also stones put around the head or legs. New burials were frequently placed in existing grave pits, with the remains of previous burials being moved aside or included in the refilling. The graves mostly date to the 10th-11th century AD, some may be a bit earlier.
Among the burials in the cemetery, two findings stand out. A square pit turned out to be a ‘family grave’ of two adults and two children. Traces of wooden corner posts and beams hint at a complex grave architecture. Also unusual is the burial of a child who probably suffered from hydrocephalus, a disease which leads to excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate inside the skull. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which also affects the brain. In fetuses and infants whose skull bones are not yet solid, the pressure is equalized by balloon-like expansion of the skull. Due to the high intracranial pressure, a ‘hydrocephalus’ can lead to various problems. Patients often require care and only have a short life expectancy if medical treatment is not provided. In the case of the child from Wettin-Löbejün, special concern of the community is evidenced by beads placed in the chest area.
The archaeological work at Wettin-Löbejün, which began in late 2023, is expected to conclude by August 2024, ensuring the area is ready for the SuedOstLink construction. This meticulous documentation, conducted in close coordination with the network operator 50Hertz, aims to preserve the region’s archaeological heritage before development begins. The project underscores the importance of balancing modern infrastructure needs with the preservation of historical treasures, offering a window into the lives of ancient communities that once thrived in Saxony-Anhalt.
Top Image: ‘Family grave’ of two adults and two children from Wettin-Löbejün. Photo by Oliver Dietrich / State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt
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